Along with vigils, World AIDS Day in Queensland was marked by the announcement that along with Queensland Positive People and four other NGOs, the Queensland AIDS Council will share in $8m in HIV funding. This will see a partial restoration in funding following cuts made to the organisation three years ago.

Queensland’s Liberal-National Opposition is likely to vote against the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s plans to reinstate civil unions and state-sanctioned ceremonies. However, there is confusion over one LNP state MP’s reported plans to cross the floor.

The new Queensland Health Minister has provided an update to an election commitment to review of government funding for community health groups, linked to the promised restoration of funds to the Queensland AIDS Council.

Queensland’s new Labor party led by Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk is now being urged to honour its election commitments made to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans* and intersex community in areas of health, law and education.

Past comments on homosexuality from two Queensland LNP MPs — including its new leader Lawrence Springborg — have brought into question their suitability to lead government should they win knife-edge January 31 state election.